Holidaymakers driving to the Continent will soon be up against line after line of digital variable speed cameras. Millions of Brits hoping to cross the Channel on a ferry or via the tunnel will be confronted by the cameras on 19 fixed gantries above a six-mile stretch of the M20 in Kent and part of the M25.

The Highways Agency said the cameras – enforcing variable limits displayed on electronic boards above the motorway lanes – would reduce congestion, give more reliable journey times, reduce accidents, curb driver stress and reduce emissions.
But motoring groups are concerned it will be yet another moneymaking venture by the authorities and that it the first step on the rollout of fixed overhead speed cameras across many UK motorways.

Only British drivers caught speeding by the overhead cameras are certain to face action. Foreign drivers are unlikely to be pursued.This is a contrast to France where the police routinely pull in British drivers and impose on-the- spot fines and impound their cars if they are not paid immediately.

Drivers should face fewer red traffic lights following the relaxation of government guidance on the flow of traffic.

Councils can adopt so-called “green wave” systems of sensors, where vehicles at or just below the speed limit trigger a succession of green lights.

Environmental groups say carbon emissions will be reduced as a result of the “Green Wave.”

Environment pressure group Campaign for Better Transport said the schemes would make car driving more efficient, but claimed they would not get to the heart of the problem.

“They are fantastic so far as making the best available use of space and allowing drivers to drive in a smooth and therefore more efficient manner”, said campaigner Richard George.

“But they don’t tackle congestion in the long term because they don’t give people alternatives to driving.”

Simon Bush of Britannia Driving School said: “Green Wave is an excellent government initiative that will actually help motorists as they go about their business as well as reduce carbon emissions.”

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Almost 90% of motorists are fed up with the condition of their local roads, according to a new RAC poll. With only 5% who reckon that motoring taxes are appropriately used, the survey of nearly 2,700 RAC members found.

Just 21% said road pricing was a good way of dealing with congestion, but 77% said jams would ease if public transport was improved, and there was good support for plans to allow drivers to use the hard shoulder of motorways during peak times.

The survey found that 89% were frustrated at the state of local roads, with just 2% reckoning that roads in their area were adequately maintained, In contrast, 65% of 18-to-35-year-olds polled were satisfied with the standard of motorway and dual-carriageway routes, although satisfaction levels dropped to only 33% for those aged over 65.

A total of 89% said they wanted better clarity on where motoring taxes were spent, while most said that not enough money raised was going back into the roads, Using hard shoulders was particularly popular with 18-to-25-year-olds, with 84% supporting the plan.
A total of 77% reckoned that improving bus, tram and train services would help tackle congestion.

Over 39 per cent of drivers have made love in their vehicle according to a study carried out by insurance company Diamond.

The survey revealed, predictably, that men were the more shameless about their passionate  exploits behind the wheel with 50 per cent admitting to in-car loving compared to just 35 per cent of women.

Top of the league were Welsh motorist to get up to naughtiness in their car, with Londoners the least likely to get up to naughtiness in their car-too many street cameras probably!

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Britannia Driving School has been notified by The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) that they have launched an online consultation exercise: An Abridged Theory Test for Learner Car Drivers.

The Consultation Paper invites comments on the DSA proposal to set a reduced fee of £24 for new abridged theory test for learner drivers.

Subject to consultation, the fee would apply to the new abridged theory test being introduced from October 2009.

The abridged theory test for learner car drivers is only being made available to theory test candidates who have previously been awarded the new pre-driver qualification in safe road use.

Britannia has been told that the deadline for response is Monday 20th July 2009.

Simon Bush of Britannia Driving School said: “The DSA have posted copies of the Consultation and initial Impact Assessments on their website: dsa.gov.uk. The related Reply Form can be accessed at. Dsa.gov.uk/abridged theory test consultation. We would advise all driving instructors to take part in the said Consultation as it affects our industry and pupils.”

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